Trip to Albertsons: Coupons ready!!!

I recently listed to a presentation on couponing at a MOPS group, and have started testing the waters to see what I can do and what I am willing to do.

Today, with coupons from Albertsons, double coupons, in store deals and manufactured coupons... I scored this....

for $5.46. Less than $6 I got four boxes of cereal and 6 packages of veggies. Now, I realize for some of you this is not huge as you would have saved even more, but I am proud of my 25.34 in preferred savings, $3 in manufactured coupons and $2.50 instore coupons!!

Composition: Final Week of Oh Shoot

This was our final week of Oh Shoot, and while it was a great week and answered a lot of questions, I am still trying to work on lighting from last week.. but here are a few of my shots!!

Oh Shoot, Week 5: Lighting

Yikes... the lighting lesson. I need this. I had not figured out what White Balance was or how to change it on my camera. This by far has been the most challenging for me.. and I still need a ton of practice...

Like I said, these are not great... but they are cute kids! :) I still need to figure out lighting more and play with it.... but now I do know how to adjust my WB, and know what the symbols mean!! :) That is a start!!

Oh Shoot Week 4: Focus

So, week four was all about focus, changing focal points, etc. So, our assignment was to capture pictures using one of two focal point techniques, ensuring your focal point is not in the center of the picture..

Actually, this was technicaly easier than I thought.. now I need to work on the creative aspect of how to compose the picture... Though, I may need new subjects to finish my class.... my current models are about to go on strike!!!

Missing Home.

You know when you are born and raised somewhere, how it becomes a part of you...?? Well, that is how it is to be from Alaska. It is part of me. When I left, I think I knew I would not move back there to live.. at least not for a very long time. I have fallen in love with Oregon and living in the "lower 48" and the freedom to travel so much easier. Also, I have adjusted and become wimpy and enjoy the mild climate.

Yet there are times when I miss home... so much that I dream about it. Right now I am missing it.....

I found this video.... it is amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcZOvdQ1cvs

More Fall.

Have I mentioned how much I love FALL??? I do, I love the crisp cool air. I love the colors. I love the feeling of comfort and cozy when wearing long sleeve shirts or sweaters that have been put away for the summer months. Now, mind you, we are just beginning to experience the color changes, and it is over 70 degrees here this week so no long sleeve shirts... but I can still get ready!!

So, more pumpkin it is....

I just mixed up a batch of vanilla pudding, added some raw cinnamon and a few of my favorite things (cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, cinnamon), then layered with graham crackers and whip cream.

Not bad.. not my favorite, but good for the day. Does not keep well, as the graham crackers get soggy... but it was tasty that night!!

Oh Shoot, Week 3!! MANUAL!!!

This is the week we got to try out manual... it actually seems easy enough from the lesson and video, then I went to practice.

So, lighting is a challenge for me, but since that is the lesson in a week or two, I just faked it. I realized the thing about manual is that you have to basically reset and start over again after each picture... well, I guess if you are super good you may not have to or it goes fast, but for me, the beginner, this takes time and work for each shot.

Here is a shot from my first practice session.. as you can see, the lighting is off...

Then here is another while practicing. I chose my aperture first, then used my scale to adjust shutter speed, etc. This one turned out decent, but wish the model was looking at me.

And here is what I will turn in for homework... now, again, I feel like the color is off a bit in their face, and I am assuming this is my lack of knowledge about the lighting. I chose to turn this in as homework, as I want feedback on it. :)

Aren't these girls cute? Best of Friends...

We also had a creative assignment, where we were supposed to think of a color and take a picture.. I did take some fall photos, then captured this one of Shannon. I am not sure what color it reminds me of, but it sure makes me feel happy.